Tommi Piper: “I’m totally impoverished”

Almost everyone knows his voice in Germany: Tommi Piper (84) was the German mouthpiece of the furry extraterrestrial “Alf” in the cult series of the same name and thus shaped a whole generation. But the man who brought millions to laugh today is facing financial ruin. The 84-year-old has to go to the table because he can no longer afford food.

“I am at the table for the first time today because I can’t buy anything to eat” ,. The shame sits deep. “I even thought about whether I pick up sunglasses because so many people know me here.” But the excitement quickly subsides in the crowd. “They are all very nice here,” says the voice actor, while he is dealing with the food distribution. In the past, he earned good money – as an actor in more than 150 films and of course as the German voice of “Alf”, which made him world famous.

Today there is nothing left of the previous prosperity. “I’m totally impoverished,” says Piper openly. “I get a little pension and my son Tobias transfers a little attention for hair cutting, for the cleaning lady, for everyday things every month.” He had to sell his car for a long time, he can no longer afford any luxury.

The 84-year-old particularly hurt the lack of engagements and synchronized speakers and the shrinking repeat fees. “I just can’t get offers anymore,” complains Piper. “I was very touched by the offer and the great foods. The board really helps me in this difficult time,” says Piper gratefully. He no longer dread him before going to the board. “I was welcomed there so warmly.”

In order to avert the impending bankruptcy, Piper picked up the pen two years ago. Together with a co-author, he wrote down his moving life story. The result: “Yes, I was Alf” – a finished book about his exciting life. But the reality is sobering: 40 publishers have so far rejected the work. “We don’t understand why because the book has become really great,” says Piper disappointed. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to give up. “We are still looking for a publisher.”

Piper turns 85 in a few months and is increasingly thinking about alternative forms of living such as assisted living. “So far I have a cleaning lady who helps me and supports me, but at some point that’s no longer enough.”

Since the death of his wife Angelika four years ago, the actor has lived alone in her common house, which has now belonged to his son. “I have a right of residence there, only pay the additional costs,” explains Piper. He is grateful for the roof over the head, even if there is not much else.

Most recently on the big stage, Piper stood at the RTL jungle camp in 2019: At that time he was a candidate of season 13 of season “I’m a star – get me out of here!” To see and finally took the 10th place.